Duration: 13 days – 12 nights
Destination: Bishkek-Tamga- Chegedek gorge- Barskaun gorge- Dongureme gorge – Djuuka gorge- Chichkan gorge- Ak-Terek gorge gorge – Kichi-Djergalchak gorge- Chon – Djergalchak gorge –Tamga village- Karakol- Bishkek
This trek mostly takes place at high altitude. It takes several days going across valleys and ridges, mainly the Issyk-Kul Lake. Then the trek climbs up the huge glaciated Djuuka gorge and eventually over the highest point, the Dongureme pass, at 3773m.
In fine weather very little clothes is needed during the day, but the nights are always cold. If the weather turns bad it’s important to be well equipped.
The horses are quite small and comfortable. A small back pack is necessary, but the entire luggage is carried by pack horses.
The tents are very spacious (1 tent for 2-3 people) easy to put up and water proof. There are no modern conveniences in camp areas. But if you like animals and nature this tour is one of the best ways to spend holidays.
Day 1:
Bishkek — Tamga
Arrival in Bishkek at 05:10.
After breakfast: transfer to Tamga village situated on the South side of Issyk-Kul lake.
On the way: excursion to Burana Tower. It is situated in the center of ancient town of Balasagun. The tower is 24,6 miters high (original height was 45 meters). The territory of the museum is 36 hectares including central ruins of the town. There are stone statues – gravestones of nomadic Turks dated of the 6th to 10th centuries, petroglyphs dated of the 2nd century B.C. to the 10th century A.D., stone agricultural implements, epigraphy monuments.
After lunch: meeting with service group and horses. Safety lesson.
Dinner and overnight in Tamga Guest House.
Day 2:
Tamga – Chegedek gorge
Ride along the Tamga gorge to Chegedek gorge. Visiting “Tamga-Tash” – the monument with Tibetan inscriptions.
Overnight in tent camp. (LD)
Altitudes during the day (above sea level): Tamga village-1685m, overnight point-2000-2500m
Day 3:
Chegedek gorge – Barskaun gorge
Ascent from Chegek gorge to Barskaun gorge. Overnight in tent camp close to Dongureme gorge. (BLD)
Altitudes during the day (above sea level): no high altitudes and passes during the day, overnight point-2000-2500m
Day 4:
Dongureme gorge – Djuuka gorge
Overcrossing the Dongureme river. Reaching the Dongureme pass. Overnight in tents near the confluence of Dongureme and Djuuka rivers. (BLD)
Altitudes during the day (above sea level): Dongureme pass-3773m, overnight point-3000m
Day 5:
Djuuka gorge.
Radial walk to Djuuka lakes. Back to the camp. Overnight in tents. (BLD)
Altitudes during the day (above sea level): overnight point-3000m
Day 6:
Djuuka gorge
Descent along the Djuuka gorge to the Kasha – Ter place. Overnight in tents. (BLD)
Altitudes during the day (above sea level): overnight point-2600m
Day 7:
Djuuka gorge – Chichkan gorge
Riding from Djuuka gorge to Chichkan gorge. Overnight in tents. (BLD)
Altitudes during the day (above sea level): overnight point-2500m
Day 8:
Ak-Terek gorge – Kichi-Djergalchak gorge
Riding from Chichkan gorge to Kichi-Djergalchak gorge over Ak-Terek gorge. Overnight in tents. (BLD)
Altitudes during the day (above sea level): overnight point-2200m
Day 9:
Kichi- Djergalchak gorge – Chon – Djergalchak gorge –Tamga village
Riding from Kichi – Djergalchak gorge to Chon-Djergalchak gorge, than descent along the gorge to guesthouse in Tamga village. Overnight in guesthouse. (BLD)
Altitudes during the day (above sea level): overnight point-1685m
Day 10:
Tamga village- Karakol
After breakfast transfer to Karakol. On the way excursion to the beautiful canyon of Issyk-Kul region – Jety-Oguz. Many legends disclose its strange red rocks. It is 37 km long and 30 km west off Karakol. The neighborhood of the Gorge is very picturesque. The rocky outcrops known as Broken Heart and The Seven Bulls are the most beautiful. In ancient times the settlement was the headquarters of Usun ruler. 5 hours walking to see the view of the majestic tops of gorge Oguz-Bashi (the Head of the Bull) (5200m). There is possibility for horseback riding.
Continuous road trip along the South Side of Issyk-Kul Lake.
Sightseeing tour in Karakol, included:
• The Holy Trinity Orthodox Church built in 1894-1895;
• The Dungan Mosque as the important architectural monument dated of the beginning of the 20th century;
• The Przhevalsky Monument;
Dinner in local restaurant, overnight in Guest House.
Day 11: 
Karakol- Bishkek.
Transfer to Bishkek via Cholpon-Ata. (Karakol – Cholpon-Ata 120 km – 2.5h)
In Cholpon-Ata excursion to the Petroglyphs field. Lunch in local cafe.
Continuous road trip to Bishkek (250 km – 4h).
Arrival and accommodation in Guest House.
Dinner at the restaurant.
Day 12: Extra day for reserve.
Day 13:
Flight
A list of private things recommended for the tour: warm clothes, warm and comfortable hiking and riding shoes, wind stopper and waterproof jacket, sunglasses, sun block cream (SPF 20-30), sun hat, gloves, sleeping bag and mattress, medical and accident insurance.
